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NationalAll Set for Maduro's Hearing in New York: What to Expect?
Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Adela Flores, are set to appear in a Manhattan federal court for a status hearing on Wednesday. Originally scheduled for June 30, the hearing was moved up at the request of prosecutors. This hearing will not determine guilt but will address key documents and evidence exchange. Maduro faces charges of narcoterrorism, drug trafficking, and possession of weapons after being extradited from Venezuela. His defense may argue for dismissal based on diplomatic immunity and jurisdiction issues. Both Maduro and Flores remain in custody in Brooklyn since their capture on January 3, 2026.
NationalThe New Life of the Pilot Who Escaped Cuba in a Crop-Dusting Plane in 2022
Almost four years have passed since Rubén Martínez Machado fled Cuba in a Russian crop-dusting plane and landed at an airport near the Everglades in Florida. With political asylum granted and a rebuilt life away from the Cuban exile community in Lansing, Michigan, Rubén recalls that October 21, 2022, when he made a solo escape from Sancti Spíritus and landed before noon in Florida. 'I remember it as being filled with fear, I don’t know... Fear, fear of what could happen, but in the end, everything turned out well.' Upon arriving in the U.S., Rubén describes the moment: 'As I was landing, the controller asked who I was and what I was doing, and I told him: I’m from Cuba running from communism. I heard him say ‘oooh’ and he told me to stay in the plane. Then someone came, knocked on the door, I opened it, and he started asking what I was doing. I explained the same: ‘I’m from Cuba running from communism,’ and he said: ‘Welcome to the USA.’ The pilot, who was 29 at the time and worked for the Cuban Air Services Company, was detained for four months after landing in Florida. When asked if his escape was planned or spontaneous, he explained: 'I had been thinking about it for a long time. The problem was finding the courage to do it and seeing when the right moment was, although in the end, nothing goes as planned. If I could turn back time, I would have done it much earlier and in different ways. The problem is that communism doesn’t work, it will never work. How long has it been since I came? 4 or 5 years? And that hasn’t changed; it’s much worse now,' he says. Rubén showed us his new home: an unfurnished house featuring a large American flag. He lives alone with his pet Caramelo and proudly shares photos of his new job as an operator at a recycling company. When asked if he has received threats from the regime, he noted: 'At first, yes, but… this is complicated (...) in the end, I have remained silent.' He explains that this is partly why he did not stay in Florida like most of the Cuban exile community, but there is another reason: 'To be honest, I always expected a bit more support from the Cuban-American community, and I did receive some, but then influencers kind of twisted the story and made it seem like getting views was much more important than fighting for the freedom of Cuba. So I said: well, I see that what’s here is a rat trap, so it’s better not to get involved in this,' he states. Rubén has been accused on social media of being a spy for the Cuban regime, which he vehemently denies. Today, he hopes to start a family and perhaps continue his career as a pilot once his residency is approved.
National28-Year-Old Identified as New York Sergeant Believed to Have Died in Iran Attack in Jordan
The U.S. military has identified Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, 28, from New York, as one of three American soldiers presumed dead following an Iranian attack on the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan on July 17, 2026. The Pentagon announced that Rampersad's status has changed from missing to presumed dead. She was serving with the 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, stationed in Ansbach, Germany. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences, marking the loss of Rampersad as deeply felt. This incident raises the total number of U.S. military fatalities in the conflict to 18, with ongoing military actions against Iranian targets.
NationalTrump Announces Escalated Plan to Impose Tariffs of Up to 200% on Generic Drugs
President Donald Trump has unveiled a plan to impose tariffs of up to 200% on essential generic medications by 2029, aimed at boosting pharmaceutical production in the U.S. The phased approach includes a 100% tariff starting in August 2028, increasing to 200% the following year. For the next two years, generic medications will remain tariff-free. Trump stated that the goal is to 'relocalize' production, penalizing companies that do not establish manufacturing within the set timeframe. While the plan targets generics, the existing tariff structure for patented drugs remains unchanged, with some exceptions for companies that relocate production to the U.S.
NationalTrump Announces Plan to Impose Tariffs of Up to 200% on Generic Medications
President Donald Trump has announced a plan to impose tariffs of up to 200% on essential generic medications by 2029, aimed at boosting pharmaceutical production in the U.S. According to Trump, tariffs will start at 100% in August 2028, increasing to 200% the following year. For the next two years, generic medications will be imported without tariffs. Trump emphasized that the goal is to 'relocalize' production within the country, penalizing companies that do not establish manufacturing plants. The plan also maintains existing tariffs on patented medications, with exceptions for companies that negotiate prices with the government.
PoliticsCity of Brownsville approves pay raise proposition for November ballot
The Brownsville City Commission unanimously approved a modification to Proposition A, which will be on the November ballot. This proposition aims to increase the salaries of the mayor and city commissioners to $62,000 and $50,000 annually, respectively, contingent on public approval. The proposal, developed by the Brownsville Charter Review Committee, includes a provision that prevents current commissioners from receiving a pay raise. Mayor John Cowen and Commissioner Tino Villarreal emphasized the importance of fair compensation to encourage diverse candidates, while Commissioner Gustavo De Leon expressed his commitment to future generations. The special election is scheduled for November 3.
Weather'Let's stay prepared': City of Alamo hosts sandbag distribution
The city of Alamo is emphasizing the importance of storm preparedness by offering sandbag distribution at various locations. Residents can collect empty sandbags at Alamo City Hall, located at 420 N. Tower Rd., and fill them at the Alamo Sports Complex, Balli Park, or the intersection of Duranta Drive and Professional Drive. Senior citizens and those with disabilities can obtain assistance vouchers at City Hall for help loading sandbags at the Alamo Public Works site, which is open during specific hours. Each household can receive up to five sandbags, while businesses can take two, with proof of residency required.
WeatherThe Valley is on the wrong side of Tropical Storm Bertha
Tropical Storm Bertha is positioned too far north to directly affect the Valley, but its western flank is causing sinking air, leading to clear skies and high temperatures. Residents can expect daytime highs around or above 100 degrees for several days, including the upcoming weekend. Most of the storm's heavy rainfall is anticipated to occur over the Gulf waters. Bertha's movement is being influenced by a frontal boundary in the southern U.S., preventing it from moving north. Additionally, Saharan dust is expected to impact air quality in the Valley through next week.
BusinessConsumer Reports: Protect your data with a guest WiFi network
Consumer Reports advises homeowners to enhance their digital security by setting up a guest WiFi network. This feature, available on most routers, allows guests to access the internet without connecting to personal devices. Establishing a guest network improves privacy, as it keeps potentially infected devices separate from your main network. It also boosts overall WiFi performance by allowing bandwidth limits and automatic disconnections for guest devices. Setting it up is straightforward: log into your router, activate the guest network, and create an easy-to-remember password. This method allows for safe sharing of WiFi with visitors while protecting your data.
CommunityMade in the 956: Valley band spread conjunto music across the country
Los Delta Boyz, a band from the Rio Grande Valley, is spreading conjunto music nationwide while proudly representing the 956. Founded in Edcouch-Elsa in 2012 by brothers Javier and Jaime Gonzalez, the band has over a decade of experience and consists of four members. They view conjunto music as a tradition and a way to share their roots. Recently inducted into the Tejano Roots Hall of Fame, they express pride in showcasing their unique style and connecting with audiences who appreciate the music of their upbringing. The band emphasizes their commitment to giving back to the Valley community.
HealthOperation Border Health kicks off with free medical services across the Valley
Operation Border Health began on Friday and will run until July 23, providing free medical services throughout the four counties of the Rio Grande Valley. Parents of student-athletes can receive free sports physicals as the new school year approaches. Sulema Solis, Director of Health Services for PSJA Independent School District, emphasized the importance of bringing medications for better assessment. The initiative offers various medical and dental services for all ages, and veterinary services for pets are available in Starr and Willacy counties. Locations include Cameron County Veterans Memorial High School in Brownsville and PSJA Early College High School in San Juan, among others.
Politics'It has changed everything': Port Isabel families say fear of ICE raids is keeping them home
Residents of Port Isabel are expressing heightened anxiety due to fears of ICE raids, significantly altering their daily routines. Brenda Jimenez Dumas, a local business owner, noted that her landscaping crews often inquire about work, but many are too afraid to leave their homes. To adapt, Dumas has taken on the role of driving work trucks while her husband stays home. A WhatsApp group has been established in the community to share alerts about suspected ICE activity, helping families stay informed. This climate of fear is impacting local businesses, with some vendors reporting a decline in customers as residents avoid going out.
HealthAddiction recovery nonprofit launching Valley mission
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A nonprofit organization aiming to help people overcome addictions across the nation is launching its operations here in the Valley. Transformations Program USA is set to open a recovery home in Harlingen to help anyone across the Rio Grande Valley. "We're not testing this out; the program works. I know it
PoliticsBrownsville groups ask judge to pause SpaceX land transfer from wildlife refuge
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Three Brownsville organizations and the Center for Biological Diversity on Monday asked a federal judge to pause the transfer of 727 acres of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Wildlife Refuge to SpaceX, according to records. The Center for Biological Diversity, Save RGV, the Carrizo/Comecrudo Nation of Texas, Inc., and South Texas
NationalUS Prosecutors Seek to Start Trial Against Maduro in June 2027
The Southern District of New York proposed on Tuesday that the trial against former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who are facing drug trafficking charges, begin in June 2027, according to a document filed in federal court. The prosecution's proposal comes ahead of a hearing scheduled for Wednesday to discuss the timeline for the proceedings against Maduro, while the defense plans to present its initial arguments in September, and the government expects to submit most of the classified evidence in November. According to the court document reviewed by EFE, the prosecution anticipates that both parties will complete the evidence exchange phase before the trial begins, although the process still includes several preliminary stages, including the filing of motions by the defense and the review of classified material related to the case. The document also notes that the U.S. government expects to advance in the delivery of classified information over the coming months, while the defense will have until early 2027 to present new motions before the court sets the final trial schedule.
Public SafetySix academy cadets officially join ranks of McAllen Fire Department
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Six academy cadets officially joined the ranks of the McAllen Fire Department on Tuesday. After completing a nine-month academy, earning multiple certifications, and fulfilling their one-year probationary period, the graduates can now serve the McAllen community. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos, City Manager Isaac J. Tawil, and Fire Chief Juan A. Gloria
Public SafetyDriver accused of leaving scene of single-vehicle crash in Escobares
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Escobares Police Department is searching for a driver accused of leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning. Police were dispatched to the crash site on Old Highway 83 in the Garceno area. At the scene, a crashed SUV was found unoccupied on the roadway. According to Escobares
Public SafetyBreaking: Heavy Police Presence in the City of Palmview
There is a significant police presence reported near Palmview, Texas, specifically around Mission, between Abraham Road, Clara Boya Lane, and Jewel Drive. Law enforcement agencies on the scene include Border Patrol, the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, SWAT teams, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Helicopters are also seen flying over the area. This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
CommunityPet of the week: Bernard the kitten
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A very special guest stopped by our studio on Tuesday. Along with Brownsville Animal Regulation Care Center adoption specialist Jordan Wally, anchor Alexia Serrata got to say hello to a very excited furry friend named Bernard. Wally explained that Bernard is a rescue who was found abandoned in an alley but is now living his best life. "He didn't
Public SafetyTruck's exhaust causes 50-acre brush fire in Donna
HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A pickup truck's exhaust ignited a fire that engulfed 50 acres of land along Val Verde Road on Monday night, according to Donna Fire Chief David Simmons. Simmons said the truck was traveling southbound on Val Verde Road when it drove off the roadway. According to Simmons, the truck's exhaust was